4 Beginner Tips For Lifting Weights, Straight From a Trainer

Published by Assistant on January 30, 2018

For someone who has never lifted weights before, the gym can be a scary place. I remember what it was like when I first started weightlifting; I was so nervous about everything. I had no idea what dumbbells to use or which exercises to do, and I felt like everyone was looking at me (they weren't). So if you want to start lifting weights more often but you don't know where to start, just know that I, and many other women, have been there before.

To help get you started, POPSUGAR spoke to Dee (Diksha) Gautham, NASM-certified personal trainer and NPC bikini competitor, who started out right where you are — and now she's a weightlifting pro. She runs a fitness Instagram account through which she constantly provides women with useful tips about weightlifting. Here's what she has to say to all the beginners out there.

Ease Into It

"Start with dumbbells to get fundamental movements down before progressing to using a larger barbell," Dee told POPSUGAR. "For example, if you've never used a squat rack before, you can try plié squats or split squats with a dumbbell to nail down the movement before moving on to full barbell squats." In other words: don't feel like you have to copy everything you see on Instagram or even at your gym. Remember that all those superfit women who are squatting and deadlifting huge weights have been doing this for a long time, and you don't have to try to match them.

Dee also recommends trying "some moves on the Smith machine" before you use the squat rack for your workouts. You'll feel much more stable while you get acquainted with exercises like squats and deadlifts. Before you know it, you'll be comfortable using a regular barbell.

CHECK YO'SELF before you WRECK YO'SELF! As someone who has suffered the consequences of shitty deadlift form in the past 💩💩 I really check my form on these to prevent injuries and get the most out of this SUPER duper full body exercise 🏋🏽‍♀️. Here are 5 checkpoints that I like to use. ✔️ (In this vid I'm doing Romanian deadlifts but these checkpoints apply to all styles): . 1️⃣ HIPS 👉 This movement is driven by your hips hinging. So push em back to initiate the movement and forward to come up! 2️⃣ BACK 👉 Do. not. round. your. back. You will get hurt and then hate lifting and be destined for a life of being a cardio bunny 🐰🐰☠️. Record a video of yourself and check that your back is flat, not curved or arching. 3️⃣ GLUTES 👉 You already know what I'm gonna say… squeeze those buns at the top! 🍑 Also try not to swing or sway back. 4️⃣ CHEST 👉 Think about keeping it up, with shoulders back. This will help prevent rounding your back. 5️⃣ HEELS 👉 Drive through your heels + don't rock into your toes. TIP 👆🏽Sometimes I do these with my toes elevated on a plate to elongate the hamstrings and emphasize that the drive is coming from your heels. 👠<- (but not that kind) . What else do y'all look out for on your deadlifts? #liftwithdee #legswithdee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #gains #gainstrain #workoutvideo #workoutmotivation #legday #legworkout #glutes #gluteworkout #backworkout #fullbodyworkout #checkyourself #gettoned #gymtime #gymmotivation #weightlosstips #girlswholift #strongwomen #strongnotskinny #bbgstronger #equinox #bayareafitness #fitfam #fitnesslifestyle #womensempowerment #womensfitness #lululemon #adidasnmd #nikewomen

Follow a Plan or Program

When you go into the gym without a plan, you end up "doing random exercises," Dee said, which won't get you the results you want. "You want to be sticking to a plan that will help you progress to your goals," she said. "Weights can be very intimidating to begin with, so having a structured program to follow can really help you get started and reach your goals more effectively."

Find an online program that works for you, whether it's Kayla Itsines's BBG or bodybuilding.com, and stick with it. These communities often have resources through which you can stay in touch with other women who are doing the same routine. Not only will this get you the best results, but it will also keep you motivated.

Record Yourself

"This is the number one thing that has helped me with my form," Dee explained. "Even after lifting for several years, I still record myself if I'm doing new exercises." She admitted it might feel awkward at first, but it's so worth it. You'll be able to see your form and see where you have room to improve. Additionally, taking those pictures and videos along the way will help you keep track of your physical progress, and that's always a positive plus.

Consider Working With a Trainer in the Beginning

Personal trainers aren't cheap, but you don't have to work out with them every single week. Dee recommends doing a session or two with a trainer just so you can get the fundamental movements down, "especially for the heavier movements like barbell squats and deadlifts." These compound lifts are complicated at first, and you want to make sure you're doing them the right way to prevent injury.

"Even if you don't want to buy a whole pack of training sessions, just one or two sessions focused on form can go a long way to help make your workouts more effective!" Dee said.

Related Posts

It’s OK, you can admit it — you’re on a quest for cut abs. Rather than relying totally on boring crunches to get you there, though, Autumn Calabrese, Beachbody Super Trainer and creator of the Read more…

Ready for an entire day of self-care? Turn your home into a spa with these totally doable (and many DIY) ideas. Pick and choose from these mix-and-match activities, or use it as your schedule for Read more…

Loneliness and depression can impact each person differently. Sometimes, emotional eating accompanies depressive states or times when you’re feeling alone. JoLynn Braley at YourTango explains why this can happen and how to manage those habits. Read more…